Man jailed for possessing submachine gun

Police officers discovered the Heckler and Koch submachine gun as part of a major investigation into serious organised crime.

The submachine gun was one of ten weapons discovered hidden in a secret compartment in a car in Glasgow.

Thomas Harvey was convicted by a jury of possessing the firearm after a trial at Glasgow High Court in November.

The court heard that Mr Harvey’s DNA was found on multiple parts of the weapon, including the grip, trigger and inside surfaces.

The 52-year-old was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday.

Nine others are due to be sentenced later this month in connection with the firearms discovery and other offences relating to serious organised crime.

Procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, Nicky Patrick, said: “Possession of illegal firearms, particularly of this calibre, is extremely serious but thankfully rare in Scotland.

“This discovery was made as part of a major operation to tackle serious organised crime. Police and prosecutors are working together to do all in our power to prevent these crimes and to bring those who commit them to justice.”